Leeds Castle

The castle has evolved over time with each owner leaving their own mark. The oldest remaining part of the present castle is the 12th century Norman cellar. Royalty owned the castle from the time of Edward I (1278) until Edward VI (1552) after which it passed into private hands. The last owner was Lady Baillie, who died in 1974. It is now owned by a private trust.

Leeds Castle has been described as ‘the most beautiful Castle in the world’. The audience is taken on a guided tour of the rooms in the castle with some historical facts and anecdotes.

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, Kent - photo by Ann Kneif

(click thumbnail for larger picture)

The talk can be adapted to the audience. Thus a group of gardeners may prefer to learn something of the various gardens that are set in the 500 acres of land belonging to the castle.